QUARAN-THINK: Teaching and Learning in the Midst of a Pandemic

Billions of people have been infected by COVID-19 around the world, and in the Philippines alone, there are more than 8,000 cases as of this writing, and the number of cases continue to increase each day. Due to this, the Philippine government has issued an order to temporarily close businesses, halt public transportation, and suspend classes to prevent this aggressive virus from spreading.

This dramatic disruption has affected different sectors of the government, including the education sector. COVID-19 has abruptly changed the face-to-face mode of learning to an online setting, making everyone quickly adapt to a highly virtual learning environment. With COVID-19 altering the teaching and learning process, teachers found ways for teaching and learning to carry on in a world of social distancing.

Mr. Jonathan T. Habana, Social Science Coordinator, shares his thoughts on teaching and learning while there is Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

“As a coordinator and teacher during the ECQ, it can be said that teaching in a time such as this is indeed a test of character and faith. I have been working from home with the use of technology to help me accomplish my work. This is a very challenging responsibility for both the teachers and the students (and parents, too!) because we are used to being physically with each other in the process of teaching and learning.

Because of the pandemic, my time with the students had to be remodeled in this new environment. Though the change was sudden and unexpected, we migrated to our online platform, met virtually, and got by one day at a time. Inevitably, our passion, creativity, and adaptability had to be in play in order for us to deliver our ministry in a new mode. Though the shift may have been sudden, there are many learnings into this: prioritizing what is essential and never forgetting to show compassion even when it’s a computer / iPad screen that separates us.

Since I am alone at home, there are times that I feel anxious, yet I am thankful for the time that I get to meditate on God’s word, sing worship songs and hymns, and listen to God’s word online. The ECQ has also allowed for me to do things I may not have had the luxury of time to do when such as read many of the books I bought and piled on my shelves.

Despite the challenges, we are facing, I firmly hold on to the truth of God’s Word in Psalm 27:1, “The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid?” COVID-19 may have caused schools to unexpectedly change, but through flexibility, creativity, and God’s steadfast love for all of us, we are certain that better days will be ahead of us.”